Wind may have contributed to hang glider crash in Rutland

Emergency personnel from Barre, Hardwick, New Braintree and North Brookfield work at the scene of a hang glider crash at Tanner-Hiller Airport as a LifeFlight helicopter lands in the background.

A 58-year-old hang glider pilot from Rutland was seriously injured when the aircraft crashed at Tanner-Hiller Airport at about 5:40 p.m. Saturday.

Police Sgt. Michael Sefton identified the man as 58-year-old Mark Alarie of Rutland. The sergeant said Sunday the injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. Sgt. Sefton said the pilot suffered contusions and an apparent head injury

The cause of the accident remains under investigation; wind conditions might have contributed to the crash, he said.

Mr. Alarie was initially unconscious when emergency crews arrived but regained consciousness before being taken to an area hospital by LifeFlight helicopter.

The helicopter landed on the runway where EMTs and paramedics from Barre and North Brookfield were treating the man.

Police described the hang glider program at the airport: Enthusiasts are towed into the air by ultralight planes, then their tether is released and they fly freely without any power source.